NorthStar VETS Veterinary Emergency Trauma and Specialty Center

Great care and staff that understands what it means to have a member of the family who’s not well.

The facility is beautiful. The people seem nice and knowledgeable. My cat was involved in some sort of fight or accident (they were never really able to determine what happened, but I don’t fault them for that). I had to take him in at 2:30 in the morning so I am grateful that NSV provides 24 hour care. It’s 135.00 just to walk in the door… I get that… but the meter just kept going up from there. It is VERY expensive. I just could not help but feel that there was an attempt to «upsell» me… suggesting things that us laypeople don’t understand. Is it necessary or is that a suggestion?
It is very easy to play on people’s emotions when it comes to their pets. These types of corporate vet operations are going to wipe out the mom and pop vets. Now are pets are beholden to shareholders. great.

Oh my gosh I cannot express how impressed we are with NorthStar Vets. NorthStar is remarkably service oriented, open and collegial in tone. Patient guardians are easily able to access imaging of their pets on their home computers simply by providing their patient ID. Veterinarians work and consult side by side from easily accessible offices. The patient’s families are graciously informed throughout their animal’s care.
My sisters and I were honored with a personal tour from NorthStar’s very own Phil Barnes and he was the perfect, informative spokesperson for this outstanding institution. Phil escorted us into all sorts of nooks and crannies where care was taking place while regaling us with wonderful stories of renowned patients. From Chief-​of-​Staff Dr Stobie’s travels to Malawi Africa where he and his associates helped the citizens establish bee colonies AND a stronger goat population — To Dr Lewis’ dentistry on a half ton tiger; From the aviary team’s work to remove a toxic penny from a penguin (who they had stomp around in some paint in order to acquire his foot painting) — To the moving «End Of Watch» ceremony for Monmouth County Police K9 Officer Falco:
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A meeting room is available for families to visit with their sick pets: on the day that we visited, a family was meeting with their injured chicken! The entire facility focuses on efficient flow of service, including such thoughtful planning as exterior wall architecture that falls back for easy access to some of the unique and massive equipment. A visit to the veterinarian specialist is a stressful occasion for any animal’s family and NorthStar Vets provides outstanding care that serves as a role model for institutions across the country. Please check out the global recognition that NorthStar has achieved from such prestigious organizations as the American Animal Hospital Association:

When our dog began having seizures over the weekend our first thought was North Star but it was quite a distance. We opted to go to Redbank in Linwood. Although the doctor was probably correct in her treatment, her bedside manner was awful. Also it was not efficient. Lots of time wasted. The next day we went to North Star because we decided to euthanize our pet. I cannot express how wonderful this facility is. From the check in girl at the desk who immediately called for a tech, to the tech who immediately recognized our pet was seizing and took him to the back to «make him more comfortable», to the young lady who ushed us into a «Family Room». They brought our dog back so we could spend some time with him and he was calmer than we had seen him for hours. All this took very little time. As time passed a young lady offered to come in and take care of the bill so we would not have to go to the desk afterward. So grateful for that. Then he began seizing again. We called the front desk who sent in Dr. Stobie. What a wonderful compassionate being. He took his time with us and with our pet and he eventually went peacefully. They had wrapped him in a warm towel and did not mind that he had messed up their couch. The last person was the lady who captured his paw prints for us in a memory box. All of these people expressed their sympathy and their sincerity was evident. I cannot thank them enough for being kind and understanding.

I could write a novel on this place and the treatment my best friend in the whole world has received here in the past four years living here in Jersey. Though having to go to NorthStar unfortunately means something is «not good»…I cannot say enough about the care, treatment, bedside manner and overall loving concern the Dr.‘s and staff have shown for my buddy Cozmo! PLAIN AND SIMPLE! As for some of the comments on price… I personally do not have a problem with it, as I don’t have any children and I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t be complaining about the price of healthcare for a child? Especially for SERIOUS care. Afterall, you can go to your regular vet if you’d like, for routine care and maintenance, but when and if you must have E. R, treatment… this is THE place you wanna go!
I am confident that my near 15 year old little buddy is still with me today because NorthStar literally saved his life (twice)!
And though I know ALL of their names… I will not mention them, as there is simply too many to list here. But you all know who you are. A huge Thank You for always being there!

I called NorthStar looking for an estimate on BAER testing a litter of pups in our 501©3 rescue. The first woman I spoke with didn’t know what BAER testing was and said they didn’t offer it. I verified on the website that they do in fact offer BAER testing, so I called back. After a lot of back and forth, I finally got an estimate on 7 puppies. $ 150 for the first pup and $ 45 for each additional pup for the BAER test. Not great but do-​able. We usually pay $ 50 per pup or less in other regions.
THEN the kicker — another $ 130 PER PUP as a consult fee. They won’t even be seeing a vet … they see the technician for the test. The reason I was given for the consult fee is that they’re an emergency and specialty center and the hospital has to charge that fee for each animal. But they couldn’t tell me WHY a vet fee is charged if they don’t need to see the vet.
Clearly NorthStar is in animal care for the money, not for the benefit of the animals. Such a shame. Do not support this business!

Although we came in to this vet ER with dying rabbit and we euthanized him, I have to say few things about this place.
1. We brought our bunny and vet looked at him within 3 – 5 minutes.
2. Vet’s comment was honest and straightforward: your bunny is in very bad condition, he is trying to die. You can spend hundreds of dollars and we can try to rescue him, but chances that he will survive are minimal. Her suggestion was to euthanize him.
3. Vet gave us enough time to say good buy to our bunny. They also prepared paws of remembrance for free.
4. Vet took time to talk about what exactly happened to bunny and why, discuss what other vets were saying, and suggested how to proceed with cage if we will be taking another bunny.
5. Overall hospital looks new and clean, staff are nice and friendly.
If we ever have other animals — we will be coming back.

Excellent facilities and very thorough medical treatment… the Ritz Carlson of veterinary service. Dr Ward is the best — compassionate, thoughtful, and very capable.

I’ve only had one experience here to go on, but I think it is safe to say that this is a great choice in veterinary emergency care. About a year ago I found a day old kitten and had no idea how to care for it. My regular vet at the time was unhelpful, and more concerned with their closing time. I called them out of desperation and they urged me to come in. One of the caring technicians came out to the waiting area after only a few minute wait. She patiently showed me how to feed the newborn, and gave me detailed instructions on how to care for her. She even gave me a water bottle that I could nuke to keep the critter warm at all times. After several minutes of her time I felt more confident. I went up to the desk to pay and was informed that the aid was free! I was thrilled by this gesture of kindness, and am sure that this same caring goes into all of their dealings with your furry family members.

Place is huge, and they have many specialists. Did not wait long to see vet. I had an appointment. The cost is up there. When you are seeing a specialist you are going to pay. The Dr was very kind and knew her stuff. The place is cleaner then a hospital. Only complaint the people checking you in and out could be a bit nicer. First impressions are lasting, so that’s where the stars come off.

I had to take my cat here for an emergency visit at night and they were so great. They really calmed my fears and took excellent care of my cat. They gave me options of most cost effective through most advanced testing. They do everything from wellness to advance specialty treatments and surgery. Luckily I only needed a couple prescriptions for my cat and they had them ready when I was checking out.

Yet again NorthStar is the absolute best in pet healthcare. They took the absolute BEST care of my dog. I can’t give enough praise. Every single doctor and staff and vet tech here is amazing.

If you’re in the mood to drop a large wad of cash – take your pet here.
I could not believe the tests… procedures and medications they were recommending for my pet. (most of them unnecessary)
And the prices !!!

Caring doctors and nurses, beautiful facility…
It is very difficult having to take your family pet to an EMERGENCY facility for any reason, but knowing they are in good hands certainly takes some of the weight off the situation.
Thank you, North Star, for taking such wonderful care of my dog!

You get what you pay for. Everyone’s initial complaint about NORTHSTAR is their prices. Animals look to you for their care and well being, so if you aren’t willing to pay the price for the health care they need, don’t have the pet.
I am 100% confident when I bring my animals here, that they will have every resource on hand if needed. NORTHSTAR has countless specialist on premises and on call. I’ve had multiple birds and a rabbit here with nothing but satisfaction.
The only negative I can see is that their wait times are sometimes long. This is an emergency vet, so the reason I had to wait was that the vet I was seeing was in the middle of an emergency. My cost was cut in half for my «inconvenience of waiting.»
I will never use another vet facility as long as I am in driving distance of their location.

Unsatisfactory visit

This is the only ²⁴⁄₇ emergency vet in my immediate area, and they have been a real life saver… twice! The price is. well what you would expect from it being the only place you can turn to in a bad situation. The campus is beautiful, and as many have stated the amenities are a nice touch. I can’t help but give them a high rating, because Dr. Manaco has saved both of my dogs with emergency surgeries. One complaint I do have is with a receptionist, she never told the doctor that we had chosen to go through with surgery, and it costed our baby an extra day of suffering, and living in their facility. Still that’s nothing compared to what would have happened if they were not arround. I suggest using this facility for emergencies.

I never thought I would be reviewing a veterinary emergency center, but this place is INCREDIBLE. As I navigated to their Unilocal page, I was not the slightest bit surprised to see that they were a 5-​star reviewed facility. I’ve literally never seen anything with 5-​stars. Ever. I’ve also never seen a vet emergency center this nice, welcoming, and caring. Ever. This place certainly gets the 5-​star nod. Without a doubt. This place is an immaculate facility, both clean and comfortable. They have 5 waiting areas (4 with TVs), two in the front, two in the middle, and one dedicated waiting area. That doesn’t include their vending room with a Keurig coffee maker and vending machine. They literally had fresh fruit (apples) available for the taking. I can’t make this stuff up.
Upon entering, we were quickly met by a welcoming staff that had us fill out two papers as my wife talked to a nurse about our puppy’s ailments. Certainly contradictory to the come in, check in and ‘eventually’ be seen approach to most ERs. We were quickly checked into an exam room and waited only about 15 minutes to be seen by a veterinarian, as we were told they had 3 emergency cases before us. I saw everything from cats, dogs, and even a bird on a busy Saturday afternoon. The doctor was extremely friendly and handled our Charlie Boy with such great care.
The doctors loving care was comparable to the same feeling I got from all of the staff, including the administrative workers at the front desk. Everyone cared. Everyone considered, what would turn out to be a non-​life threatening back injury to our puppy, important. Again, very contradictory to going to an ER, hacking up a lung and feeling like death and being met with a receptionist who couldn’t possible care any less. These professionals truly care, and you can tell by their interaction with us and handling of our boy. Was it expensive? Not one single bit when something you love is exhibiting an unexpected illness, and we’re left wondering what in the world could be wrong. We’ll never go anywhere else if this unfortunate event were to arise again. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this place to others.

I was referred here by my regular vet after some bloodwork on my dog didn’t look good. Though I only received bad news about my beloved dog, it was delivered in a kind and caring manner, and the staff gave me an array of options for treating my dog’s cancer.
I never felt pressured into the most expensive course of treatment and my dog was also treated like a member of their family throughout her chemo treatment. Though her cancer did eventually take her, I always felt that she was given extra life due to Dr. Kim and her staff.

i drive to NSV’s from about an hour and a half away every weekend for my black russian terrier puppy to do underwater treadmill. I really could not be any happier with the people here, and with the progress that she has made.
The fact that i make the drive every weekend, and dont mind doing it with other rehab clinics much closer to me should tell you how i feel about this place.
Highly recommended for your pets health, and your piece of mind.